The Buzz on the Bugs of Summer

The National Pest Management
Association shares little-known facts about common summer
insects

FAIRFAX, VA – Why do fireflies light up? What goes into making a
pound of honey? There are many interesting facts you probably don't
know about the seasonal insects frequenting backyards this summer.
The National Pest Management Association (NPMA)
created this list of some unique, but true factoids about the bugs
of summer:

Ants: Some ants can lift 20
times their own body weight. If a 175-pound man had the comparative
strength of an ant, he could lift four tons or almost 9,000
pounds.

Bees: Honeybees may make 10 million trips to gather enough
nectar to make a single pound of honey. The total distance traveled
by all the bees to create this much honey may equal twice the
distance around the world.

Fireflies: Firefly light is usually intermittent and flashes in
patterns that are unique to each species. Each blinking pattern is
an optical signal that helps fireflies find potential mates.

House Flies: House flies taste with their feet, which are
millions of times more sensitive to sugar than the human tongue.
House flies also generally stay within one mile of where they were
born.

Ladybugs: Ladybugs bleed from their knees when they feel
threatened. The foul-smelling fluid seeps from their leg joints,
often leaving yellow stains on a surface.

Mosquitoes: Only female mosquitoes
bite humans. They are generally attracted to dark colors and the
carbon dioxide you exhale. Males live on plant juices and other
liquids from decomposing organic material.

Although these and other insects have fascinating
characteristics, some pose health and property risks when taking up
shelter indoors. If you suspect a pest infestation in your
home, contact a
licensed pest professional to inspect and treat the
problem.

For more interesting bug facts or for practical tips to help
pest-proof your home, visit www.pestworld.org.

The
NPMA, a non-profit organization with more than 7,000 members, was
established in 1933 to support the pest management industry's
commitment to the protection of public health, food and
property.